Okay, let’s get some open shelves up in this kitchen.
With the hood cover now built, we were finally ready to install shelves around it. We initially planned to build true floating shelves and even considered following Ana White’s plans, but after revisiting our inspiration photos we decided to use brackets instead. If you’re wondering about dust and grease on open shelves: the consensus is that a strong range hood and keeping frequently used dishes on display keeps things manageable. Rarely used items get dusty inside cabinets too, so rotating and using what’s out in the open is key. We’ll report back on how it goes for us.
Aside from the look, brackets felt safer than floating shelves on our tiled wall—drilling into tile can be nerve‑racking. We also heard Home Depot carried some good, affordable bracket options. After narrowing down choices, we both agreed on a particular style, so I picked up a dozen along with some 12″ framing lumber for the shelves. Several readers had suggested this simple 12″ lumber plus bracket system works well in kitchens, and we’d had success with it on our office desk, so it seemed like a smart, straightforward solution.
One issue became obvious right away: 12″ framing lumber is actually closer to 11.25″, and our 12″ dinner plates would hang off the edge. Instead of buying new plates, we solved the depth problem by adding 1×2 trim to the shelf ends, the same approach we used to finish the top of our homemade console table. The trim not only adds depth but hides the rough board ends, giving a much cleaner, finished appearance.
With materials purchased, our cost broke down to roughly $116 for brackets, $15 for the shelf boards, and $10 for the smaller trim boards—a total around $141. Not cheap, but comparable to a few upper cabinets and less expensive than buying custom shelving. Given savings elsewhere—reusing original cabinets, building a fridge cabinet, tiling ourselves, and repurposing a Craigslist range hood—we were comfortable spending a little more on this element. We already had paint and primer on hand.
Next came measuring and marking. We used a weighted thread hung from ceiling marks to locate studs—the same method we used for hanging the hood—and discovered the studs lined up well for evenly spaced brackets, except at the far ends where the hood uses one stud. For those end brackets we planned to use heavy‑duty anchors set into tile.
We also measured and cut the shelf boards. Some shelves look shorter on one end in photos because they’ll receive the 1×2 trim, which brings all shelves to the same finished length and depth. We chose slightly varied trim configurations: the long top shelf only needed front trim because the wall and hood enclose the ends, while lower shelves required trim on exposed sides. It may seem odd not to trim them identically, but from past projects we knew a painted, finished assembly reads as intentional and cohesive.
We glued and finished‑nailed the trim to the boards and pre‑drilled pocket holes on top, planning to screw the shelves to the wall in addition to securing them to the brackets. After the trim was attached I filled the thin seams with wood filler so the joint disappears once primed and painted. Even unpainted in progress shots, the shelves already look more finished with the trim in place.
To prepare for bracket installation we taped 1×2 scraps to the wall as temporary placeholders so we could mark exactly where the bracket tops needed to sit. The brackets came with two metal hooks on the back, so I made a simple paper template: tape the strip to the bracket, puncture holes at the notches, press the strip to the tile, and remove the bracket to leave a template for marking and drilling. It was a bit tedious doing it a dozen times, but accurate placement mattered.
Drilling into tile always makes us nervous, especially multiple holes, so we were careful and methodical. The result was a dozen pairs of screws waiting for brackets—small but tangible progress. We did a dry run hanging one side to confirm the screws sat at the right depth and felt secure. They did, which was a relief. Sherry can’t wait to load the shelves with dishes and plates.
Before hanging anything permanently we decided to prime and paint the shelves first to avoid taping off grout or getting paint on the wall. We’ll apply two coats of the same cabinet color and also prime and paint the hood so everything reads as a cohesive unit. Once the paint has cured it should be quick to get the brackets up and the shelves installed. Barring any unexpected interruptions, we expect to have after photos soon.
What projects did you tackle this weekend? Any priming, lumber cutting, or drilling through tile? We’re always curious to hear how others approach similar jobs (and any tips for keeping small household chaos in check while working on big projects).